This is the first article in a three-part series focusing on Nature Photography Day, celebrated every year on June 15.
Part 2 – Part 3

One of the purest forms of happiness in my life comes from looking at old pictures. These snapshots of our lives allow us to reminisce on good and bad times, and for me, always bring up different emotions.

When I first got into photography, my main focus was about capturing the perfect shot to post on social media. I was so self-conscious about every single picture I took and was never actually taking the photos for myself. I feel like a lot of us can relate to that feeling and it’s still something I think about to this day when taking pictures. The major difference now is that my relationship with photography has drastically changed. The photographic moments I capture allow me to reflect on different parts of my life and appreciate the beauty of so many experiences I have had.

Throughout my life, I have been blessed to spend a lot of my time outdoors, visiting different parks all around the world. Even with my little digital camera as a pre-teen, I have always been obsessed with taking photos of nature. The natural world is so amazing and inspiring and it’s accessible to all. Developing a connection with nature is something that everyone can experience in their own way. It can be as simple as enjoying daily walks in a neighbourhood park, going to the beach, or hiking mountain ranges and canoeing rapids. Capturing the beauty of nature through photography can help enhance the connection we feel to the natural world and adds so much joy to my life.

Because I spend more time behind the camera than in front, I end up taking a lot of pictures. This makes it hard to choose my favourite snapshots. The simplicity of a beautiful fire, late at night, or the stillness of a lake during a canoe paddle are some of the purest moments, making me appreciate the outdoors and nature so much more.

But photos taken in nature don’t always have to be associated with a deeper meaning. Finishing an uphill climb and celebrating the accomplishment is worthy of a photo. The beauty of hiking is that the view when you get to the top is so incredible that the background will always look good no matter how sore or sweaty you are.

Photography can be extremely intimidating, trust me, I’ve been there. The pressure to capture the perfect shot, the fear of using a new camera, or worrying about timing and messing up is something that all photographers feel. I’m far from being an expert, but spending time connecting with nature and learning to capture the beauty of what you are seeing is extremely worthwhile. It can inspire you in more ways than you could think and allow you to reflect on the incredible experiences you have had in nature. Hopefully, you can share your love for nature and help others find their connection (I know, super cheesy). So, next time you embark on an outdoor adventure, grab whatever camera you have, capture a feeling or moment you’re experiencing, and preserve it forever!

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